Beta Platoon (part 1)

First, Why Beta Platoon? Surely that implies that their is an "Alpha Platoon" and indeed their is. I decided to detail Beta Platoon first, because they have only 1 possible configuration, which is designed to provide artillery, suppression fire and ranged support to forward and advancing elements of the Mordian 19th. A single configuration means the squads and members, including their equipment load out is static, any battle including Beta Platoon will have them participate as described. Only very special circumstances would cause them to re-equip (close order skirmishes, ship boarding actions and worlds with vastly unfavorable gravity or topography). In contrast Alpha Platoon has two possible configurations designed to be adaptive, but more on that later.

Beta Platoon mustered for support action.

 5 squads and a platoon command squad led by Lieutenant Archer (he was featured in a previous post Where it all began ) Each squad is equipped to provide ranged fire using 5 mortars and a combination of plasma guns and grenade launchers. This is employed to send the enemy scurrying for cover, or if already in cover, to force them to keep their heads down to avoid the high volume of fire and concussive explosions. In practical terms this squad can be "blobbed" in cover near enough to contest an objective, while supporting an advancing infantry or vehicle element. Beta Platoon is designed to be near stationary, deployed in medium to heavy cover, only moving when a tactical withdrawal is necessary to consolidate a position. The inclusion of a commissar means that the legendary discipline of the Iron Guard will be enforced even if the face of enemy advance and returning fire.

 Dispersed formation

 In practical terms this is a parade formation, normally the mortars are grouped together, and well behind the infantry, shielding them from enemy fire cutting into the ranks.

First Squad of beta platoon preparing to attack their foes

 This is a typical squad who make up the platoon. The heavy weapon is a mortar, while the special weapon (not shown) off to the left is either a grenade launcher or a plasma gun. There are 3 Grenade launchers in squads 2-4 and a plasma gun in squads 1 and 5. allowing for maximum versatility and ranged effectiveness.


Some house-keeping blog issues. Firstly thanks to Natfka over at Faeit212 for putting me on his Blogroll, giving the Mordian 19th a large boost in readers, to those who are new, welcome. You may note that the picture quality has improved, many thanks to my girlfriend and resident photographer, Al. Regarding some issues around the 19th's age and presentation: the models need to be based, I have over a kilogram of black sand to accomplish this but I am likely to wait until the regiment nears completion to have some sort of Base-a-palooza weekend (or week given the project's size). Also I am aware of the lack of 65mm bases for the heavy weapons teams. I will acquire some, but anyone familiar with Mordians, or the other classic Imperial Guard ranges will know that the heavy weapons were 2 separate models with no base for the weapon. when funds permit I will acquire some bases from eBay or attempt to craft my own. Next post will be a continuation of Beta Platoon including the command squad some other pictures and info.
Thanks for looking/reading
-MedicMike